Get cycling with Cyclesolihull

self-guided route leaflets for local rides

regular free leisurely rides

cycling information and advice

Sunday Cycle Rides

The Sunday Cycle Rides are the heart of Cyclesolihull. They take place most Sundays during the spring and summer (except where there is the 5th Sunday in the month), starting at 2 pm from different places around the borough. In autumn and winter (November to February the rides start at 1.30 pm, may be shorter and occur less frequently

There are rides of varying length depending on which Sunday in each month it is.

The spring and summer (March-October) pattern is:

First Sunday - Medium (M) ride of about 15 miles (finish about 5 pm)

Second Sunday - Taster (T) ride of about 5 miles (finish about 3.30 pm)

Third Sunday - Medium (M) or Long (L) ride or 15-20 miles (finish about 5-5.30 pm (NOT November to February)

Fourth Sunday - Short (S) ride of about 10 miles (finsh about 4 pm)

Fifth Sunday - no ride but check website for any 'special' rides.

The autumn & winter (November-February) pattern is:

First Sunday - Medium (M) or Short (S) ride of about 10-15 miles (finish 3.30 pm to 4 pm)

Second Sunday - Taster (T) ride of about 5 miles (finish about 3 pm)

Third Sunday - No ride

Fourth Sunday - Short (S) ride of about 10 miles (finsh about 3.30 pm)

Fifth Sunday - No ride.

All Taster Rides and selected Short 'S' rides are especially suitable for families with younger children and are designated Family Rides and marked with *Fm*

All the rides take place on quiet roads (mainly country lanes) and some cycle paths so they are suitable for relatively new cyclists and children.

Someone at the front ('the leader') will lead the way and a 'backmarker' will be appointed so no one gets left behind. Every so often the ride will stop to regroup so that the overall pace is of the slowest rider.

If the group is large, it may be split into two to make the ride more manageable. This is usually done after a mile or so to enable riders of a similar speed to be grouped together.

There is always a refreshment stop of about 30 minutes, either at a tea room or a pub. All the pubs have gardens and are child friendly. As you are part of a group it doesn't really matter if you prefer to bring you own drink - it can sometimes be nice to have a completely free afternoon out!

To help you know what to expect, the rides follow one of 27 fixed Cyclesolihull Routes. Route leaflets are available for download here.

Although many people cycle to the start point, they all have free parking nearby for if you need to bring your bike by car (more information on start points).

All rides return to the start point.

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Cyclesolihull rides go ahead unless there is persistent heavy rain (not just showers), very strong winds, snow or ice. Rides are rarely cancelled (5 in 2010 due to snow and ice) but if we feel this is necessary because forecast bad weather we will try and put information about this on the website before the start of the ride.

Sunday Cycle Rides

January to February 2012

Please note that Sunday Cycle rides start at the earlier time of 1.30 pm from November to February inclusive.

Sun 1 Jan at 1.30 pm from Knowle (10 miles along route S2)

*Fm* Sun 8 Jan at 1.30 pm from Cheswick Green (5 miles)

Sun 22 Jan at 1.30 pm from Hockley Heath (11miles along route S11)

Sun 5 Feb at 1.30 pm from Cheswick Green (9 miles along route M9, was M6)

*Fm* Sun 12 Feb at 1.30 pm from Brueton Park (5 miles)

Sun 26 Feb at 1.30 pm from Marston Green (12 miles along route S12)

(more information on start points).

Try Cyclesolihull's other rides:

Evening Explorer rides are on alternate Wednesdays from mid-May to early August. They start at 7 pm from various locations and are about 10 miles long, following the shorter 'S' routes. There is a pub refreshment stop of about 30 minutes and the ride will finish before 9 pm.

Taster Rides are short rides of about 5 miles long which normally take place on the second Sunday of the month. They start at 2 pm and there is a refreshment stop. These rides are an ideal introduction to Cyclesolihull rides for new cyclists and families with children. They are just like the other rides but much shorter!

Saturday Stretcher rides are the longest Cyclesolihull rides at between 20 and 30 miles. There is no fixed route and they may use sections of busier roads. They are not suitable for small children.